T.J. Oshie’s Game 2 Assist was Magical

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w2oaUMBCtI&w=420&h=243] Game 2 will likely be most remembered for the huge brawl after the final horn that saw Vladimir Sobotka break Dominic Moore’s nose and Roman Polak unleash the fury on Justin Braun. However, while the physical side of the game has garnered most of the attention, T.J. Oshie’s masterful work to set up the second goal for St. Louis needs to be recognized.

Oshie’s move along the boards where he dropped to one knee to avoid the check from Jason Demers was impressive enough on its own. Given the speed of the modern NHL, it’s rare that you see a player miss a check as badly as Demers did, especially given his proximity to Oshie. Oshie’s awareness, intelligence and nimble skating allowed him to miss the hit entirely.

But wait! There’s more! (Said in our best late-night infomercial voice).

As Demers was sprawling into the boards, Oshie continued with the puck as another Shark, this time Patrick Marleau, tried to hit Oshie and dislodge the puck. Oshie again nimbly avoided the check, sending Marleau sprawling into the boards.

Oshie then used some nifty work with his stick to deke two San Jose defenseman and goaltender Antti Niemi out of position, leaving David Backes open on the left side of the net to bury a perfect pass into an empty net.

Wow.

Oshie’s assist might be the best of his young career especially when you consider when it occurred in a tight 1-0 game.